Parturition and Labor Part 2

Question 1

what are the phases of parturition

Answer 1

1. uterine quiescence or prelude
2. prep for labor or activation
3. labor
4. recovery or involution

Question 2

discuss PHASE 1 of parturition

Answer 2

uterine quiescence: first 32 wks
- longest phase
- cervix is firm and unyielding c little to no contractions
- uterine size and vascularity inc in prep for contractions
- myometrial contractions or braxton hicks

Question 3

discuss PHASE 2 of parturition

Answer 3

uterine awakening or activation
- cervix softens and dilatable
- fundus produce effective contractions that drive fetus = lower uterine segment
- connective tissue changes from inc spacing of fibrils in collagen = dilation

Question 4

discuss PHASE 3 of parturition

Answer 4

stage 1 - dilation to fully dilated
- latent
- active

stage 2 - fetal delivery

stage 3 - placental delivery

Question 5

3 factors that involves successful labor

Answer 5

power - maternal efforts and uterine contractions

passenger - fetal characteristics

passage - pelvic anatomy

Question 6

discuss how one monitors the labor process

Answer 6

serial cervical exams - to determine cervical dilation

fetal position or station

fetal heart monitoring

Question 7

discuss station or fetal position

Answer 7

0 station: bony fetal presenting part is aligned c maternal ischial spine

• 1 to - 5: proximal to ischial spines

+1 to +5: distal to ischial spines

> +5: crowing

Question 8

what are the signs of labor

Answer 8

lightening - baby moves lower into pelvis

bloody show - mucus c blood expelled from vagina

contractions intervals of < 10 mins and becomes more frequent and severe

rupture of amniotic sac - amniotic fluid leaks from vagina
- must go to hospi w/in 24 hrs to avoid infections

Question 9

discuss the 1st stage of labor

Answer 9

has 2 phases

latent: longest part; 0-4 cm
- regular contractions 5 to 20 mins apart
- cervix effaces
- ends with accelerated dilation (active)

active: 4 cm to full dilation
- greater intensity contractions 3-4 mins apart
- bloody show and rupture of amniotic fluid
- transition

Question 10

discuss transition phase of labor

Answer 10

part of active phase

• cervix dilates 8-10 cm
• contractions very strong lasting 60-90 secs every few mins
• shortest but most intense
• mothers feel need to push